ECON 260Economic Development of the U.S.•
5 Cr.

Department

Division

Description:

Analyzes the industrialization and transformation of the U.S. economy from colonial times to the present. Students examine the rapid changes after the Civil War and the Great Depression, as well as the contributions of immigrants and native groups. Same as CES 260. Either ECON 260 or CES 260 may be taken for credit, not both. Recommended: 30 prior college credits.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

Define and explain the relationships between the basic economic concepts that are used in theories of economic growth and transformation.

Describe the structure and operation of a capitalist economic system, and identify the forces that led to its establishment in the United States.

Identify the critical events, such as Civil War and Depression, in the historical life of the U.S., and analyze the causes and effects of those events from the perspective of the development of the economy.

Explain the relationship between the role of government and the market system, tracing the development of that relationship throughout the history of the U.S. economy.

Identify and describe the forces that have shaped a labor force in the United States, in particular the role of immigration, unionization, and the differentiations of race and class and gender.

Define the stages in the development of the structure of enterprise in the United States, compare and contrast the structure and functioning of types of businesses, and explain the transitions in the nature of the business system.

Describe the relationship of the U.S. economy to the international economic system at key points in history, from colony to economic superpower, and explain the changing nature of that relationship.

Describe and explain the changes in the class structure of U.S. society throughout its history.

Identify the main trends in technological development, the role each played in U.S. economic growth and the effects technology has had on the material and economic life of the population.